Kratom’s unique and powerful effects have made this plant well known and widely used, however, not many people talk about its side effects. One of the most common reason this plant is used is for its pain-killing effects, and in comparison to typical the nasty effects of pain-killing medication, kratom’s are minor annoyances. However, although they are very minor, they are still worth knowing, as understanding them and how they occur can help prevent them.

At doses of 2-5 grams used infrequently, kratom doesn’t seem to have to cause any negatives; however, at higher doses, this plant can cause headache, constipation, nausea and the infamous “wobbles.”

Common Side Effects

One of the reasons kratom is considered such a great medication is because it has an inbuilt ability to keep people from abusing it through negative effects which typically occur only at higher doses. Additionally, the mood boosting effects of kratom aren’t increased from increasing dose above a certain point. The most common ailments from high dose use are as follows:

Nausea

One of the most common kratom side effects is nausea. While nausea doesn’t affect everyone, some are susceptible to it at doses typically above 8 grams. Most experience the immediate cessation of nausea from kratom after through vomiting, intentionally or unintentionally. Nausea seems to be the most common in first-time users of kratom, however, after several occasions of use, the nausea seems to go away. Additionally, some strains are more likely to cause nausea and other kratom side effects, specifically Bali, and Indo strains. As nausea is one of the kratom side effects that typically only occurs at high doses of kratom, it is easy for most to avoid with prudence.

The Infamous “Wobbles”

Interestingly enough, kratom at high enough doses has an effect that is completely unique to it. This is one of the most common kratom side effects and has been commonly been referred to as the “wobbles.” Anyone who has experienced the wobbles can attest that it is not fun at all. The hallmark of the wobbles is the difficulty in focusing your eyes without a “twitching effect”, causing your frame of reference to click upon looking to a new location. This will often cause a feeling of dizziness and can be extremely annoying, especially when trying to do even the most simple tasks. Sometimes, this comes with nausea and a feeling of brain fog.

Luckily, just like nausea, this effect can easily be avoided by keeping kratom dose at normal levels. Also similar, Bali, Borneo and Indo strains seem to give this effect at lower doses. Many have found that by making kratom tea and straining the powder, you can completely avoid this and many other side effects of kratom, even at extremely high doses, leading many to believe they are the function of one of many fat-soluble alkaloids found within the plant.

Although this kratom side effect can be rather uncomfortable, it seems to cause no inherent problems. However, for those who do use this plant, do not operate any heavy machinery or motor vehicles, as the difficulty in focusing eyes can be dangerous to your life and the lives of others.

Headache

Some that several have experienced at high doses of more stimulating kratom strains, such as Thai or Maeng Da, is a noticeable neck tension. Like most other negatives, it is typically felt only at high doses. Typically, the easiest way to avoid this is to take an over the counter pain medication, however, it can easily be avoided by simply reducing kratom dose. This is one of the least common side effects of kratom and is part of what is occasionally called a kratom hangover.

Constipation

Constipation is probably the most noticeable problem that people experience when taking this plant for long periods of time. While this can be remedied by a variety of over-the-counter products, it can catch many by surprise. As far as constipation goes, it is typically mild unless you are already susceptible to it or are using a kratom extract regularly.

Loss of Libido: Mild

An effect that has been reported by some kratom users, especially those who have taken more sedating kratom strains, is mild loss of libido. In comparison to typical analgesics, the loss of libido is negligible. In fact, most only notice this effect in retrospect over a period of months. However, on the other hand, some find their libido increased — this is a function of each individuals chemical make-up and strain of preference.

Overall, kratom side effects are very minor and can typically be remedied by not taking this plant in high doses, or consistently for long periods of time. As we do not condone the ingestion of this plant, best way to avoid these problems is obviously to abstain. However, many will find moderation of usage combined with a good leaf and a great kratom vendor to be a much more pleasant alternative.